WASHINGTON, DC—Researchers with MedStar Health’s National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare have received a U.S. utility patent for a novel system they developed for analyzing eye-tracking data that leverages human insight with machine learning and results in a streamlined, more robust analysis process.

Eye tracking is proven technology that consumer marketers and researchers have used for years (think how cereal boxes are displayed on grocery shelves), but it has not been widely used in health care because data analysis can be difficult. MedStar researchers have been leaders in applying the science of eye tracking to study how clinicians can more safely and efficiently interact with their environment to deliver the best care possible. This includes the design of computer interfaces, like the electronic health record (EHR), and complex environments, like the operating room.

By making the eye tracking analysis process much simpler and less time consuming, the MedStar invention makes increased use of eye-tracking technology very likely, and with that, the availability of more useful information about how clinicians see information, process this information, and interact in their complex environments. Now that they have secured a patent, the MedStar team is ready to begin the process of licensing their invention to a commercial partner.

“This technology will greatly improve the adoption of eye-tracking analysis technologies to safely design computer interfaces, a field that becomes more important every day,” says MedStar Chief Innovation Officer Mark Smith, MD. “We’re looking to partner with industry to bring this to the market to help not just MedStar patients but patients everywhere. This is unique opportunity for companies to work with the top human factors research center for health care in North America.”

The Human Factors Center researchers worked with the MedStar Inventor Services and Cleveland Clinic Innovations through the Healthcare Innovation Alliance throughout the patent and development process. MedStar Inventor Services works with enterprising associates within the health system to develop new technologies that improve patient outcomes and provide safer care to patients worldwide.

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